Opening night at WorldFest-Houston was spectacular
with an Art car parade, a 10-piece mariachi band and the arrival of legendary actress
Ms. Patricia Neal and director/filmmaker Jim Amatulli who helped to
kick-off this memorable event. They drove up in a
vintage White Roll Royce, where she was greeted by fans who clapped
and cheered. Ms. Neal was kind enough to allow the Paparazzi to take her picture while she signed autographs for waiting fans.
She was talkative and surprisingly warm. She was escorted to the theater where she was
sitting-in and viewing the film "Flying By", a film by director
Jim Amatulli in which Ms. Neal
was cast in a small roll as Margie, the mother of George Barron,
played by Country singer/actor Billy Ray Cyrus. The
Founder and Director of WorldFest-Houston hosted the opening night
event with a presentation of the Lifetime Achievement
Remi Award to
Ms. Patricia Neal. She was thrilled and happy to accept the award
and was quick with the wit as a full theater of film buffs and
Patricia Neal fans were treated to her legendary voice and allure.
Most of the cast of the film sat at the front of the theater. After
the screening, a lengthy question and answer session about the film
and of Ms. Neal's past were tossed around. Amazingly, the film was
made in 20-days, that according to the Director. One fan asked Ms.
Neal to reveal her favorite movie in which she replied, "A Face in the
Crowd". This film was
indeed a powerful film and stars Andy Griffith in a role that is
shockingly disturbing and giving a glimpse of how easy it is to fall
prey to success and power. My favorite film, as I am a Sci-Fi fan,
was the 1951 black and white film "The Day the
Earth Stood Still" where Ms. Neal
played "Helen Benson" and saves the Earth by relating the
words "Klaatu Barada Nikto". The
After-party and reception was equally impressive. It was held at the
Renaissance Hotel on the top floor of the Skyroom. Champaign was
gratis and again, Ms. Neal was available for anyone to approach her
for pictures and autographs. If you miss this event, you missed out
on a memorable treat.

Worldfest-Houston continues with
screenings from April 18th through Sunday, April 26th at the AMC
Studio 30 - Dunvale. Tickets are still available. You can see
individual films or blocks. In most cases the filmmakers will be in
attendance. For tickets visit: www.WorldFest.org If you
would like to see some of the pictures (click here) Enjoy!

Mid-week, veteran producer/actor Rip Torn and family jetted
in to enjoy the premiere his produced film "Lucky Days"
directed by son Tony Torn, and in which he has a part of "Bobo"
and his daughter Angelica Torn plays the lead as
"Virginia".

And, Both French and British consuls feted their
respective attending directors, Serge Bozon (La France) and David Rocksavage (Shadows in the
Sun) with receptions to honor their film premieres at this year's
WorldFest.

Also, C-47 Houston was there at the Closing night Gala and awards banquet
(click here)

See the Grand Remi Winners list and read more about the Closing night by (clicking here)